Nestled near Grasslands National Park in southwest Saskatchewan is the village of Val Marie. This spectacular countryside boasts prehistoric badlands, lush coulees, rolling ranch land and broad river valleys which sweep to distant horizons.
Val Marie is not only known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise but also as home to one of the greatest ice hockey players ever to lace up a pair of skates.
This is the story of a young boy of Indigenous heritage who grew up in a tiny rural community, only to win the Stanley Cup six times while becoming one of the most accomplished ice hockey players in the game’s history. This is the story of Bryan Trottier; proudly born and raised in the community of Val Marie.
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Bryan Trottier – Early Beginning and Heritage
Growing up in Val Marie, sports were a big part of the community and how people spent time with one another. For young people, it was ice hockey in the winter and baseball all summer long. Bryan grew up in a family of athletes.
He grew up hearing stories of his dad and uncles’ athletic accomplishments and was surrounded by several older cousins who were excellent athletes themselves.
His dad had a genuine sense of pride that Bryan’s grandparents were Cree, Métis and Chippewa with a long history of being outstanding athletes, which he often shared with him.
Bryan’s mom would always remind him to be proud of his heritage. All of this gave young Bryan a sense of hope and pride of his family and the athletic qualities he inherited which allowed him to follow in their footsteps.
Hockey was a Success Story for Bryan
In the world of ice hockey, Bryan’s accomplishments are legendary. What makes those accomplishments even more spectacular is where it all humbly began, out on the freshly flooded pond made by a beaver dam.
Bryan remembers learning how to skate and shoot just like all the other kids, spending hours honing the skills that would eventually help him become a hockey superstar.
In adolescence, Bryan recalls being painfully shy and lacking self-confidence. He remembers being afraid and incredibly homesick while advancing through higher levels of organized ice hockey, which meant being away for his home, family, and friends.
Bryan’s parents helped him face these challenges every step of the way, giving him the courage to push through them. They taught him not to fear making mistakes but learn from them; to keep stepping forward and putting himself out there; to envision what might be on the other side.
They reminded him constantly that he would always have a home to come back to if things did not work out.
From the small-town dressing rooms where his ice hockey career began all the way to the NHL, Bryan’s ever-growing confidence and winning attitude were a source of inspiration to his fellow teammates as he never let them doubt for a moment they would be successful.
He developed a reputation for not only wanting to win every game; he wanted to win every shift and all the battles in between.
More Success in the NHL
Over the course of his NHL career, Bryan would set records, win just about every coveted award in the game, and hoist the Stanley Cup seven times.
Despite being one of the best all-around players in the game’s history, he still returns to the small village of Val Marie to share, celebrate, and honour his family and the many warm-hearted community people who cheered him on and encouraged him over the years.
Bryan has never forgotten the valuable encouragement he received from his parents and his Indigenous heritage, which he has worn as a badge of honour throughout his life and career.
Throughout his NHL career, Bryan would set records, win just about every coveted award in the game, and hoist the Stanley Cup seven times.
Despite being one of the best all-around players in the game’s history, he still returns to the small village of Val Marie to share, celebrate, and honour his family and the many warm-hearted community people who cheered him on and encouraged him over the years.
Bryan has never forgotten the valuable encouragement he received from his parents and his Indigenous heritage, which he has worn as a badge of honour throughout his life and career.
Bryan Trottier Sport Successes
Bryan, a former professional ice hockey center, had a highly successful career, marked by numerous achievements and accolades. Here’s a comprehensive list of his sports successes, including his Hall of Fame inductions:
NHL Career Achievements
Stanley Cup Championships:
- Won six times with the New York Islanders (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983) and the Pittsburg Penguins (1991, 1992).
Awards and Honors:
- Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP): 1979
- Art Ross Trophy (Leading Scorer): 1979
- Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP): 1980
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year): 1976
- King Clancy Memorial Trophy: 1989
- Canada Cup MVP: 1981
All-Star Appearances:
- Selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game multiple times.
International Play
Canada Cup:
- Played for Team Canada, winning in 1984 and participating in 1981 (MVP).
Career Statistics
NHL Career Points:
- Accumulated over 1,400 points (goals and assists) in his NHL career.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Hockey Hall of Fame:
- Inducted in 1997.
Canadian Sports Hall of Fame:
- Inducted in 2007.
Post-Playing Career
Coaching and Management:
- Assistant coach for the Pittsburg Penguins during their Stanley Cup win in 1992.
- Served in various coaching and executive roles post-retirement.
Other Recognitions
Retired Jersey:
- New York Islanders retired his jersey number 19.
Bryan’s career is distinguished not only by his impressive statistics and championships but also by his leadership and impact on the teams he played for and later coached. His legacy in the world of hockey is marked by his skill, sportsmanship, and contributions to the game.
Bryan Trottier FAQ
How Many Stanley Cups Does Bryan Trottier Have?
As mentioned above Hockey was a major success in the story of Bryan Trottier, in fact, at one point he won four consecutive Stanley cups.
Bryan won a total of seven Stanley Cups during his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Here is a breakdown of each win, including the year, team, and his role:
- 1980 – New York Islanders (Player)
- Trottier played a key role in the Islanders’ first Stanley Cup victory.
- 1981 – New York Islanders (Player)
- He continued to be a pivotal player as the Islanders successfully defended their title.
- 1982 – New York Islanders (Player)
- Trottier helped lead the team to a third consecutive Stanley Cup win.
- 1983 – New York Islanders (Player)
- Contributing significantly, he was part of the Islanders’ remarkable fourth straight Stanley Cup.
- 1991 – Pittsburgh Penguins (Player)
- Near the end of his playing career, Trottier added another Stanley Cup to his achievements with the Penguins.
- 1992 – Pittsburgh Penguins (Player)
- He won his sixth Stanley Cup as a player, contributing to the Penguins’ back-to-back championships.
- 2001 – Colorado Avalanche (Assistant Coach)
- Transitioning to a coaching role, Trottier earned his seventh Stanley Cup, this time as an assistant coach with the Avalanche.
Bryan Trottier’s Stanley Cup championship victories spanned his roles as both a player and a coach, highlighting his versatility and enduring impact in the NHL.
Did Bryan Trottier Play for the Penguins?
Yes, Bryan played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and again won consecutive Stanley cups.
After spending the majority of his illustrious NHL career with the New York Islanders, Trottier joined the Pittsburgh Penguins towards the end of his playing days. He was a part of the Penguins’ team that won the Stanley Cup in both 1991 and 1992, adding to the four Stanley Cups he had already won with the Islanders.
His time with the Penguins was notable for his role as a veteran leader and mentor to younger players on the team.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- WCJHL First All-Star Team (1975)
- WCJHL Player of the Year (1975)
- NHL First All-Star Team (1978, 1979)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (1982, 1984)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1992)
- Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, July 20, 1990.
- Signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh, June 22, 1993. Played w/ RHI’s Pittsburgh Phantoms 1993-94 (9-9-13-22-2)
What is Bryan Trottier Doing Now?
Bryan Trottier, a legendary figure in the NHL, has been nurturing a lifelong passion for music alongside his illustrious hockey career. This passion, which dates back to his childhood, has become a significant part of his life post-retirement from professional hockey. Trottier, who is recognized as one of the best two-way centers in NHL history and a highly accomplished Indigenous athlete, has pursued music as a hobby and a form of personal expression.
His musical journey began with playing bass in his family’s band and has continued to be a source of joy and fulfillment. Trottier’s love for music, particularly country music, is evident in his performances, where he often plays songs by country legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Despite his focus on hockey during his playing days, Trottier never let go of his passion for music, which he now shares more openly in various events and gatherings.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Trottier has been actively involved in supporting Indigenous communities across Canada. He speaks at events, sharing his experiences and insights, and addressing important issues like alcoholism, mental health, and the challenges faced by Indigenous people. Trottier’s efforts in this area are a testament to his commitment to using his platform for positive change and community engagement.
Moreover, Trottier has recently ventured into writing, with plans to publish a book titled “All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice.” This memoir is a reflection of his journey, offering gratitude to those who have influenced him and sharing lessons learned throughout his life. The book promises to be a blend of personal stories, hockey insights, and Trottier’s deep connection to his heritage and family.
Overall, Bryan Trottier’s current activities reflect a blend of his love for music, his dedication to community service, particularly within Indigenous communities, and his continued involvement in the world of hockey through storytelling and writing.